Centre County, PA – Nearly a year after Hurricane Helene devastated mountain towns across North Carolina and Tennessee, recovery efforts fueled by faith and community spirit are making a visible difference. Thirty volunteers from local churches in Centre County returned from a weeklong mission bringing hope and hands-on help to families rebuilding their lives.
In a powerful display of solidarity and service, members of Watermarke Church, Zion Community Church, and Wingate Faith Church partnered with regional relief organizations to tackle the extensive damage left in the hurricane’s wake, embracing both physical restoration and spiritual renewal.
Witnessing Recovery and Resilience in the Aftermath
The volunteer team was struck by the dual realities prevalent in the affected areas: the visible destruction combined with an undiminished spirit of optimism. According to Brad Heltman, Watermarke’s family and youth minister, “Eighty to ninety percent of the businesses and homes are still being worked on.” This ongoing restoration is a testament to the perseverance of the residents and the dedication of those supporting them.
- Volunteers worked on diverse projects: shoveling sediment from basements, laying electrical wiring, installing roof trusses, and repainting schools.
- Efforts spanned multiple towns, often requiring over an hour’s drive each day to reach the sites most affected by flooding.
- The community engagement included restoring an art school that had experienced severe flood damage.
Stories of Strength and Compassion
Throughout the mission, volunteers encountered profound stories of hardship met with unwavering faith. One woman, despite losing nearly everything including her beloved pet bird, celebrated the miraculous reunion with her emu, Bobo, found alive downstream after days of uncertainty.
A family recounted their harrowing escape through second-story windows as floodwaters rapidly rose. Their journey of recovery is now supported by the church volunteers who are helping rebuild their home and hope.
“Some of the amazing things to see there were the resilience of the people,” said Scott Devore, Watermarke’s men’s ministry coordinator.
United in Faith and Purpose
The mission transcended physical reconstruction; it was an expression of unity among different churches, coming together for a shared cause. Heltman reflected on this unique collaboration, saying,
“We may not come together every Sunday morning to worship in the same building, but we can come together and partner with Christ in a common goal for His kingdom’s sake. That was huge to me too, seeing the different churches come together. I hope it has a community impact.”
The trip was made possible through community donations, a silent auction, and abundant prayers from supporters back home. Volunteers invested their own time and resources, emphasizing spiritual preparation as key to the mission’s success.
“I would say first and foremost, prayer is absolutely a must,” Heltman shared. “God brings the rest. He brought the community together and He brought our churches together, built our relationships to help us spend a week ministering and serving others in a very healthy way, and showing Christ’s love through that.”
Looking Ahead: Continuing the Mission
The Centre County volunteers are already planning a return trip next year to continue supporting families and nurturing the valuable partnerships established with organizations such as the Marshall Relief Alliance and Mountainside Homestead Ministry.
Scott Devore expressed the team’s commitment:
“The fact that we were able to connect with those people down there. They were very grateful for all the time we put in. We’re grateful that God sent us there. There’s a reason we were there. We know that there’s so much more work to be done.”
For the survivors, progress is measured in newly restored homes and enduring friendships. For the volunteers, the mission reaffirmed that in the midst of devastation, hope and faith rise higher than floodwaters.
Key Highlights:
- 30 volunteers from three Centre County churches participated in the relief mission.
- Volunteer activities included construction, restoration, and renovation projects in flood-affected towns.
- The spiritual component was vital, with sustained emphasis on community prayer and faith.
- Plans are underway for repeat missions to further assist disaster recovery.
